Once again, for my Digital Citizenship class, I engaged with others over the topic of health care on social media, noticing for the first time how lack of adequate health care coverage in the United States affects the individual.
Throughout the week, I kept my eyes open for health care stories that were popular on social media. I noticed that people were talking about Trevor Noah’s recent hospital stay for an appendectomy surgery. In a video clip from the Daily Show, you can see his bemusement at having to sign papers and fill out forms while in the emergency room awaiting surgery. I posted this news story to a Facebook group that I am a part of but gained only likes, no comments.
Next, I searched health care on twitter and came across Bernie Sanders’s twitter with a November 9th tweet about health care. I responded to his tweet, asking if one should also have access to preventative health care.
What interested me most was reading others’ responses to Bernie’s tweet. While some twitter users responded doubtful about where the money is going to come from, most were in favor of what he said and excited to see it happen. One twitter user poster, Terry, was resigned to the fact that he can’t pay for his surgery and said that he started a gofundme to raise the money.
Finally, I tweeted Terry to let him know I support him and will spread the word and donate if I can. After several weeks of lurking and engaging, I stumbled upon someone who has a potentially life-altering need for surgery that he can’t pay for. I applaud his and others with this problem for their ingenuity in launching crowdfunding campaigns to earn the money for their surgery.
joshua stapel 
Nice Job Josh! As a supporter of Bernie Sanders I found it very interesting that you messaged him about our topic of health care. Hopefully he responds!
See you in class,
Michael
Joshua, great post! Glad you were able to get some likes from your post, something is something right? Especially starting out with no responses, we’re getting somewhere, YAY! Also, I feel for Terry, I hope he is able to raise enough money for his surgery! 🙂
Joshua, This is a very moving post. I am so glad you were able to connect this very important issue with a personal story and situation. The support your offered is meaningful and can make a huge difference. Thanks for engaging and advocating for better health care for all.